Famous Idol and Actor Abruptly Ends Singing Career
Lee Junyoung shocked fans by announcing his retirement from singing while revealing his military enlistment plans for this year.
The former U-KISS member and award-winning actor said his solo mini album Last Dance will be his final music release. He explained why he’s quitting singing:
“Actually, I have no future plans as a singer. Last Dance was my final album. That’s why I named the album that way. I don’t know what will happen later, but for now, this is how I feel. I think I’ve closed the chapter well with Last Dance.” — Lee Junyoung
Lee Junyoung’s announcement comes after a packed 2025. He snagged Best Actor at AAA 2025 and Male Excellence at the KBS Drama Awards. He played major roles in three Netflix series and other projects, all while promoting solo music and appearing on MBC’s Hangout with Yoo.
“Last year, I truly worked the hardest. It was a year where I poured everything I had into it,” he said.
“Honestly, it was almost impossible, but I squeezed my time so tightly and pushed myself to keep up with the schedule. I wondered when I would ever be this busy again. It was hectic but fun, too.”
Lee Junyoung also opened up about his tough schedule that led to physical breakdowns. He fainted once due to extreme exhaustion during overlapping filming schedules.
“When the filming periods for two projects overlapped, I thought I was strong, but my body broke down. I had only one or two days off a month, sleeping just two or three hours before filming. Then, one day, I suddenly fainted.”
“It wasn’t just me — my manager and the staff worked extremely hard as well. So, I feel even more relieved now.”
At age 30 (Korean age), Lee Junyoung is set to enlist this year. He showed no regret about the hiatus, saying:
“I don’t feel regretful at all. Actually, I think I’ll feel relieved. Physically, it’s been really tough.”
He is mentally ready for military life despite concerns about his health:
“My knees and back hurt a bit. A few years ago, I think I could have served in good health and enjoyed it, but now my only thought is how to get through it healthily.”
“I just want to do my best and follow orders in the army. I don’t want to assign any special meaning to it. As a late enlistee, there will surely be difficulties, but I’m mentally prepared.”
Lee Junyoung says he’s focused on his upcoming acting projects rather than worrying about popularity after enlistment:
“I think popularity doesn’t belong to me. After I come back, I’ll work with people who support and like me; if they aren’t there, then I’ll think about it then. That doesn’t control my feelings. Right now, the projects ahead of me are more important.”
Besides acting, dancing remains close to his heart.
“My beginning was dancing. I want to keep dancing even when I’m 60 or 70 years old. I love it that much… I want to continue both dancing and acting for a long time.”
Watch Lee Junyoung’s final solo music video for Last Dance: